We at La Plata County Extension Office are so thankful for our amazing community. We are so lucky to live here and to call you all our neighbors and friends. Our 4-H program would not be as it is without the love and support of our community.
Our goal in 4-H is to help youths acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive members of society. One of the ways that we do this is by giving back and making a positive difference to those around us.
Over the next month, our 4-H clubs are showing their thanks by doing community services that are designed to support our community members in need and to make the holidays feel a little warmer and brighter. Animas Valley 4-H club is writing letters and making cards for the residents at Four Corners Healthcare Center. Mt. Allison Go-Getters served a Thanksgiving dinner to residents in Ignacio, and many of our clubs are doing coat drives and adopting families in need.
We have a countywide community service where we are collecting unopened, nonperishable food to be donated to our local food banks in Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio. We are also collecting unopened pet food to be donated to the La Plata County Humane Society and we are collecting new books and new, unopened toys for The La Plata Family Centers Coalition Holly Jolly Toy Drive.
We are delighted that The La Plata Family Centers Coalition is filling a void in our community during the holidays and supporting youths in need. In addition to its Holly Jolly Toy Drive, it has an option to give a specific, requested gift. On its website, https://lpfcc.org/toydrive, it has a digital angel tree where one can request to sponsor a child during the holidays to ensure every youth is able to have a magical Christmas.
If you know of a child who is in need this year, they can be signed up on the La Plata Family Center’s website as well.
If you would like to join our community service and donate to any of these amazing organizations, you are welcome to drop items off at the La Plata County Extension Office during normal business hours and I will distribute all donated items to these amazing organizations.
Enrollment for our 2022-23 4-H year is open now through April 1. If you are interested in joining as a 4-H volunteer or member, please contact me at the La Plata County Extension Office.
Angela Fountain is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach her at angela.fountain@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6460.
